Tips to Choose between Red and White Oak Flooring

12/17/2019

If you have already decided to install hardwood flooring at your home, choosing the right kind of wood is one of the most important tasks for you. It is important to remember that the durability, customisability, and the visual appeal may vary significantly across different wood types and even different varieties of the same wood.  Talking about wooden floors, oak wood has always been a popular choice because of its timeless beauty. Red and white oak are extremely prominent and extensively used in the flooring market. However, it has been observed that most homeowners have a clear preference for white oakflooring compared to its red variety. 

Before discussing the reasons behind people’s preference for white oak, let us explain some quick facts about oak hardwood flooring. Oak tree has multiple species, out of which, red and white are considered to be best suited for flooring because both these species offer durability, reasonable price, and are relatively easier to work with. However, though these two species of oak may appear similar, some subtle differences between the two make white oak superior to red oak. Therefore, unless you need red oak for some specific flooring design idea, white oak flooring is probably a better choice.  Let us now find out which are the features that make white oak a better choice than its red counterpart.

Difference between Red Oak and White Oak:

First of all, as their names suggest, there is a slight colour difference between red and white oak. However, you may be surprised to know that the colour of red oak is actually lighter compared to white oak. In addition to a darker shade compared to red oak, white oak also features quite prominent browns and yellows. On the other hand, red oak tends to have a light red tint because of its pink undertone.     

Secondly, the graining in white oak is more subtle compared to red oak and this graining is less prominent. This provides a different feel and look to the floors that many people like. However, please note that a more pronounced graining is favourable for hiding the scratches and dents in the floor. Therefore, homes with children, pets, or high foot traffic may prefer red oak flooring regardless of the other factors.

Red oak is more preferred for use in banisters, stair treads, and similar transitions. Some people also opt for this variety of oak wood for maintaining aesthetic consistency with other accessories and furniture at home. These days, however, there are many designs involving mix of different patterns, styles, and wood types. Therefore, there is no need to limit your choice based on your existing accessories and transitions.

Benefits of Using White Oak for Hardwood Flooring:

• One of the most important benefits is that white oak is more suitable for the modern design principles. With relatively less prominent graining, it provides an appearance that is more streamlined and modern. On the contrary, read oak may look a little old-fashioned and rough. The graining in white oak is relatively uniform and smoother because of the presence of numerous mineral streaks in the wood.  This feature makes it a great pick for today’s extremely popular minimalistic interior designs.
• Durability is one of the foremost considerations while selecting the wood for your flooring. Though red oak does a better job of concealing existing dents, it is more susceptible to denting compared to white oak. However, please note that both these oak species are extremely sturdy and may last for many decades, provided they are properly looked after.
• With a more exquisite graining, white oak offers better water resistance compared to red. White oak wood comprises of pores that are more likely to be plugged by the tyloses, making it resistant to incoming water particles. This is why white oak is extensively used for furniture and accessories for kitchens, entrances, and outdoor areas that are exposed to moisture, cold, and other elements of nature. Though white oak has better water resistance compared to red wood, please remember that it is not waterproof. 
• White oak is the obvious choice for homeowners that want white or gray shading rather than the traditional look. If red ok is used for this purpose, its pink undertones will interfere to create an undesired pinkish hue. Shading looks better on white oak also because of the less prominent graining of the wood. 

If you have already made up your mind to install oak flooring, visit Enoak today to find out more about what is best for you. Over the last five decades, we have been delivering the widest range of finishes and styles that can suit every taste.  Contact us now to book a tour to our showroom.